New Jersey lawmakers consider redefining a vicious dog

New Jersey lawmakers are considering whether to change the state's definition of a vicious dog. Such a declaration can mean death for the animal.

New Jersey lawmakers are considering whether to change the state's definition of a vicious dog. Such a declaration can mean death for the animal. (FRANK RIVERA / The Orlando Sentinel)

What defines a vicious dog? Life or death answer may be changing in New Jersey.

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey could soon revise its standards for what constitutes a vicious dog.

The Assembly's Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee is set to consider a bill Thursday that would require courts to find clear and convincing evidence that a dog has been involved in fighting and that it poses a serious threat to people or other domestic animals.

Under current law, a dog's involvement in a fight would be enough for the court to declare the animal vicious. It also prescribes that the dog must be euthanized if it's found to be vicious.